[PR blog] The media’s role in promoting mutual respect

Dick Pryor’s speech last week to the Institute of Interfaith Dialogue was an inspiring reminder that, in a society that seems to have lost its knack for respectful disagreement, it’s up to all of us to set a higher standard.

Dick Pryor, Deputy Director of OETA.

Pryor is deputy director of OETA, the state’s public television network. He said he and others in the media play a role.

“The media can help create an environment that treats people with respect,” he said. “Or, we can create an atmosphere that is hostile to people based on their perceived differences, including religion, and does not allow for the thoughtful exchange of ideas that our society must practice to be healthy.”

In a program that for me held several “amen”-inducing moments, Pryor’s speech was one that should be shared with anyone who has a part in shaping our society’s discussions.

“The art of democracy requires people with different points of view, sitting down together, to talk to each other, to reason with each other, to try to understand each other, ultimately to find common ground … That requires civil dialogue, and when we get into a situation where there is no longer that kind of conversation, and it’s a shouting match, or what looks more like a wrestling match, democracy is the loser … When you infuse absolutism (often fueled by religion) into politics, you strike a death knell for civility.”

ON THE MEDIA’S ROLE IN CIVIL DIALOGUE

It seems to me it is up to those of us in the media to lead the way for democracy and civility, by raising the bar in our national conversation and being skeptical of absolutism.

We must allow our viewers the chance to ask, “Am I right?” and not fall victim to the absolutism and arrogance of certainty. We must provoke intellectual curiosity – and humility.

We in the media must require everyone who sits at the table of ideas, including ourselves, to be respectful. And, even when people disagree, we should ask that they show respect for each other.

When I conduct interviews, I try not to interrupt my guests – I let them finish their thoughts so everyone can hear what they are saying. Our guests and viewers appreciate that, and it leads to something wonderful: More listening. Occasionally, even opponents find common ground.

Now, you know how it works on cable TV. Find the two most extreme people you can on an issue and provoke them into yelling at each other for three minutes. Then call that “balance.” But where are the moderate voices? The quiet, considerate voices that prefer a more measured response?

On (OETA’s) “Oklahoma Forum,” we try to have not just two voices – left and right, Democratic and Republican – but three or four. We don’t just seek out the fringe or the extreme.

We must question, and not allow misinformation to go unchallenged … We must lead the way in pushing every person to grow, and to learn … We must ask probing questions…the right questions. When we ask the wrong questions, everyone gets the wrong answers.

ON INFORMATION-OVERLOAD

Media consolidation has led to a broadening of access, but a narrowing of viewpoints. We are left with a symphony of clatter that is most distinguished by its capacity for branding and marketing and its appeal to the lowest common denominator.

We receive more information today, but I fear we are less informed.

ON FREEDOM OF SPEECH

What’s the use of free speech if we don’t think about it and learn from it?

But for free speech to mean anything, we must reach out to diverse communities, people with different backgrounds, different ideas and yes, different agendas, and give them a chance to contribute to the discussion.

ON HOW THE MEDIA WORKS

“The media” is not some huge, coordinated, unified mass. We don’t wake up every morning and have nationwide editorial meetings to decide which stories we are going to pursue. We don’t all get together and decide who we want to praise, or attack.

“The media” are thousands of independent organizations, connected in varying degrees, or not connected at all, trying to do the best we can with finite resources, limited time and competing demands.

UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENCES & SIMILARITIES IN CULTURES

(A few years ago), I had the opportunity to spend two weeks in Russia. Now, I came of age in the ’60s and ’70s. We were led to believe we should hate them. I’m sure the Soviets felt the same way about us. But on my trip across Russia, I had the chance to actually talk to Russian people, who it turns out, are a lot like us.

We talked about news philosophy, broadcasting, our careers, our common challenges, our families. And after a few minutes we saw each other in a new way, as more alike than different, and became friends.

Once we get to know each other as people, the walls crumble, and our common humanity unites us.

ON EVERYONE’S ROLE

But, creating a climate of understanding and mutual respect is not just my responsibility. … No, the responsibility is yours, as well.

You are here because you believe in intercultural dialogue. Keep spreading that message. Talk about this stuff with your friends and family. Make that a priority.